Friendship Day Everyday
Next on my list of “all things August” is Friendship Day. Did you know that there was a day to celebrate Friendship? And what the heck does friendship have to do with business? Aren’t we just supposed to be associates? I would like to think not. Friendship is way more valuable than association. Who of us can honestly say we’d like to limit the value we provide to or receive from our customers and colleagues?
Here are some qualities that I believe reflect friendship. I believe that these very same traits should be incorporated into our business relationships for the purpose of benefiting your business:
- You want what’s best for the other person- When selling or supporting your customers this should always be your top priority. If your customer believes that you really want the best for them, and if you demonstrate this through your words and actions, then you begin building trust and a trusted relationship. To say that trust (in any relationship) is valuable is such an understatement! If your customers really trust you, then they will also trust you with their other friends who could turn into valuable business referrals. This ultimately means more business success for you.
- Honesty and Integrity –This quality again leads to trust. Even if the truth hurts, it is always less painful than trying to cover your tracks or mistakes.
- Understanding – Do you truly understand your customer’s needs and wants? Have you spent the time to discuss their pain points and developed an appreciation for their challenges?
- Respect – It is important that you respect your customer’s time, perspective and opinions. This means listening and genuinely having a high regard for them.
The great author C.S. Lewis once said: “Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art… It has no survival value; rather is one of those things that give value to survival. ”
So, by declaring every day as “Friendship Day” with respect to your prospects and customers, you are placing a very high value on your company’s survival and future success. Because in the end, friendship is always more worthy and significant than mere association.
